Sharon Redrobe

First Fatality Associated with Elephant Endotheliotropic Herpesvirus 5 in an Asian Elephant: Pathological Findings and Complete Viral Genome Sequence

Infections of Asian elephants (Elephas maximus) with elephant endotheliotropic herpesvirus (EEHV) can cause a rapid, highly lethal, hemorrhagic disease, which primarily affects juvenile animals up to the age of four years. So far, the majority of deaths have been attributed to infections with genotype EEHV1 or, more rarely, EEHV3 and EEHV4. Here, we report the pathological characteristics of the first fatality linked to EEHV5 infection, and describe the complete viral DNA sequence. Gross post-mortem and histological findings were indistinguishable from lethal cases previously attributed to other EEHV genotypes, and the presence of characteristic herpesviral inclusions in capillary endothelial cells at several sites was consistent with the diagnosis of acute EEHV infection. Molecular analysis confirmed the presence of EEHV5 DNA and was followed by sequencing of the viral genome directly from post-mortem material. The genome is 180,800 bp in size and contains 120 predicted protein-coding genes, five of which are fragmented and presumably nonfunctional. The seven families of paralogous genes recognized in EEHV1 are also represented in EEHV5. The overall degree of divergence (37%) between the EEHV5 and EEHV1 genomes, and phylogenetic analysis of eight conserved genes, support the proposed classification of EEHV5 into a new species (Elephantid herpesvirus 5).

Fatal elephant endotheliotropic herpesvirus type 5 infection in a captive Asian elephant

THE purpose of this letter is to draw urgent attention to a case of fatal haemorrhagic disease attributable to elephant endotheliotropic herpesvirus type 5 (EEHV-5) infection in a captive Asian elephant ( Elephas maximus ), as a prelude to more detailed reports of the clinical and pathological findings (in preparation). The affected animal was a 20-month-old captive-bred Asian elephant born and living at a collection in the UK within a herd of four adult female Asian elephants. It developed a rapidly progressive disease characterised by severe oedema, haemorrhage of mucosal membranes and cyanosis. Treatment followed protocols for extensive antiviral and supportive therapy and included drainage of the pericardial effusion under ultrasonographic guidance. Despite all efforts, the health of the animal deteriorated necessitating euthanasia. Postmortem findings were consistent with previously reported fatal …

Capillaria hepatica in primates in zoological collections in the British Isles

Capillaria hepatica in primates in zoological collections in the British Isles We read with interest the short communication by [Pizzi and others (2008)][1] describing Capillaria hepatica (syn Calodium hepaticum ) infection in two white-faced saki monkeys ( Pithecia pithecia ) and a Sulawesi crested

A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW OF THE LITERATURE RELATING TO CAPTIVE GREAT APE MORBIDITY AND MORTALITY

Abstract Wild bonobos (Pan paniscus), chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes), Western gorillas (Gorilla gorilla), and orangutans (Pongo pygmaeus, Pongo abelii) are threatened with extinction. In order to help maintain a self-sustaining zoo population, clinicians require a sound understanding of the diseases with which they might be presented. To provide an up-to-date perspective on great ape morbidity and mortality, a systematic review of the zoological and veterinary literature of great apes from 1990 to 2014 was conducted. This is the first review of the great ape literature published since 1990 and the first-ever systematic literature review of great ape morbidity and mortality. The following databases were searched for relevant articles: CAB Abstracts, Web of Science Core Collection, BIOSIS Citation Index, BIOSIS Previews, Current Contents Connect, Data Citation Index, Derwent Innovations Index, MEDLINE, SciELO Citation Index, and Zoological Record. A total of 189 articles reporting on the causes of morbidity and mortality among captive great apes were selected and divided into comparative morbidity–mortality studies and case reports–series or single-disease prevalence studies. The content and main findings of the morbidity-mortality studies were reviewed and the main limitations identified. The case reports–case series and single-disease prevalence studies were categorized and coded according to taxa, etiology, and body system. Subsequent analysis allowed the amount of literature coverage afforded to each category to be calculated and the main diseases and disorders reported within the literature to be identified. This review concludes that reports of idiopathic and infectious diseases along with disorders of the cardiovascular, respiratory, and gastrointestinal body systems were particularly prominent within the great ape literature during 1990–2014. However, recent and accurate prevalence figures are lacking and there are flaws in those reviews that do exist. There is therefore a critical need for a robust, widespread, and more up-to-date review of mortality among captive great apes.

A retrospective review of western lowland gorilla (Gorilla gorilla gorilla) mortality in European zoologic collections between 2004 and 2014

Abstract An understanding of the main causes of mortality among captive gorillas is imperative to promoting their optimal care, health, and welfare. A retrospective observational review of mortality among the European zoo–housed western lowland gorilla (Gorilla gorilla gorilla) population from 2004 to 2014 was carried out. This is the first published study of mortality in this population. Relevant postmortem data were requested from each collection reporting a death during the study period. Age at death enabled grouping into discrete age categories. Deaths were classified according to cause. The main causes of death overall and for each age category and sex were identified. In total, 151 gorillas from 50 European collections died during the study period. Postmortem data were available for 119 (79%) of the deaths, of which 102 (86%) were classified by cause. Diseases of the digestive system were responsible for most (23%) deaths overall. Also of significance (each accounting for 15% overall mortality) were deaths due to external causes (especially trauma) among young gorillas and cardiovascular disease among adult and aged animals. Being a male gorilla was associated with an 8.77- and 5.40-fold increase in risk of death due to cardiovascular and respiratory disease, respectively. Death due to external causes was 4.45 times more likely among females than males. There was no statistically significant difference in life expectancy between male and female gorillas. The authors conclude that further work is needed to understand risk factors involved in the main causes of death and suggest a need for standardization with regard the approach to postmortem examination and data collection, sample collection, and storage across European zoos.

A clinical study to evaluate the cardiopulmonary characteristics of two different anaesthetic protocols for immobilization of healthy chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes)

OBJECTIVE To characterize the cardiopulmonary characteristics of two different anaesthetic protocols (tiletamine/zolazepam ± medetomidine) and their suitability for the immobilization of healthy chimpanzees undergoing cardiac assessment. STUDY DESIGN Prospective, clinical, longitudinal study. ANIMALS Six chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes) aged 4-16 years weighing 19.5-78.5 kg were anaesthetized on two occasions. METHODS Anaesthesia was induced with tiletamine/zolazepam (TZ) (3-4 mg kg-1) or tiletamine/zolazepam (2 mg kg-1) and medetomidine (0.02 mg kg-1) (TZM) via blow dart [intramuscular (IM)] and maintained with intermittent boluses of ketamine (IV) or zolazepam/tiletamine (IM) as required. The overall quality of the anaesthesia was quantified based on scores given for: quality of induction, degree of muscle relaxation and ease of intubation. The time to achieve a light plane of anaesthesia, number of supplemental boluses needed and recovery characteristics were also recorded. Chimpanzees were continuously monitored and heart rate (HR), pulse rate (PR), respiratory rate (fR) oxygen saturation of haemoglobin (SpO2), systolic arterial pressure (SAP), diastolic arterial pressure (DAP), mean arterial pressure (MAP), rectal temperature, mucous membrane colour and capillary refill time recorded. During the first procedure (TZ) animals underwent a 12-channel electrocardiogram (ECG), haematology, biochemistry and cardiac biomarker assessment to rule out the presence of pre-existing cardiovascular disease. A detailed echocardiographic examination was carried out by the same blinded observer during both procedures. Data were compared using Students paired t-test or Wilcoxon rank tests as appropriate. RESULTS There was a significant difference for the area under the curves between anaesthetic protocols for HR, SAP, MAP and fR. No significant differences in the echocardiographic measurements were evident. Quality of anaesthesia was significantly better with TZM and no additional boluses were required. The TZ protocol required multiple supplemental boluses. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Both combinations are suitable for immobilization and cardiovascular evaluation of healthy chimpanzees. Further work is required to evaluate the effect of medetomidine in cardiovascular disease.

Heart rate and indirect blood pressure responses to four different field anesthetic protocols in wild born captive chimpanzees (pan troglodytes)

Abstract Limited data are available on hemodynamic responses to anesthetic protocols in wild-born chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes). Accordingly, this study characterized the heart rate (HR) and blood pressure responses to four anesthetic protocols in 176 clinically healthy, wild-born chimpanzees undergoing routine health assessments. Animals were anesthetized with medetomidine–ketamine (MK) (n = 101), tiletamine–zolazepam (TZ) (n = 30), tiletamine–zolazepam–medetomidine (TZM) (n = 24), or medetomidine–ketamine (maintained with isoflurane) (MKI) (n = 21). During each procedure, HR, systolic blood pressure (SBP), and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) were regularly recorded. Data were grouped according to anesthetic protocol, and mean HR, SBP, and DBP were calculated. Differences between mean HR, SBP, and DBP for each anesthetic protocol were assessed using the Kruskall–Wallis test and a Dunn multiple comparisons post hoc analysis. To assess the hemodynamic time course response to each anesthetic protocol, group mean data (±95% confidence interval [CI]) were plotted against time postanesthetic induction. Mean HR (beats/min [CI]) was significantly higher in TZ (86 [80–92]) compared to MKI (69 [61–78]) and MK (62 [60–64]) and in TZM (73 [68–78]) compared to MK. The average SBP and DBP values (mm Hg [CI]) were significantly higher in MK (130 [126–134] and 94 [91–97]) compared to TZ (104 [96–112] and 58 [53–93]) and MKI (113 [103–123] and 78 [69–87]) and in TZM (128 [120–135] and 88 [83–93]) compared to TZ. Time course data were markedly different between protocols, with MKI showing the greatest decline over time. Both the anesthetic protocol adopted and the timing of measurement after injection influence hemodynamic recordings in wild-born chimpanzees and need to be considered when monitoring or assessing cardiovascular health.

Great ape mortality study.

WE would like to highlight a new study into great ape mortality and request information and samples. Vicky Strong is studying towards a doctorate in veterinary medicine at the University of Nottingham supervised by Malcolm Cobb, Kate White and Sharon Redrobe. This is the first coordinated Europe-wide investigation …